Xi Jinping’s one-time political rival will now spend the rest of his life in prison

This is a picture of Japanese Prime Minister Abe and Xi. In China this image is banned. Xi doesn’t like people comparing him to Winnie the Poo. Seriously.

Xi has consolidated his power and plans – plans – on running the show from here on out as far as he’s concerned.

Xi will likely make a significant move, maybe a widely destabilizing move sometime in his time. China sees the South China Sea as its own, as well as Taiwan. It also seeks de facto control of trade through the Indian Ocean over the long term.

Xi is no friend of the US and will continue to challenge dollar hegemony across the globe. (Not that the US and the Federal Reserve haven’t been asking for such a challenge given the last 10 years.)

With some people freaking out over Russia, a power that can barely assert itself beyond its back yard in the Middle East, more eyes should be on China generally.

We are for peace. We are for a smaller (but a much more efficient) military. But part of maintaining peace is observing international developments from a realistic perspective.

It should be noted that the best way to avoid war is to keep trading across borders. Make sure war is painful to all sides with minimal upside. Trade is key. Trade with everyone and keep the guns pointed at the ground. (If there have to be any guns at all.)

Regardless, be aware of the people and the motivations of the people with whom one must deal. China is the world’s Ultimate Crony Capitalist State, and it has a chip on its shoulder. Understanding these things let’s continue the work of peace.

(From The Business Insider)

Chinese President Xi Jinping’s biggest rival at one time, Sun Zhengcai, was just sentenced to life in prison.

Sun Zhengcai, the former Communist Party secretary for the city of Chongqing, was found guilty on Tuesday of taking $26.7 million in bribes. He was given a life sentence and all his personal property and “illegal gains” will be confiscated.

Sun is the most senior leader to be caught up in Xi’s anti-corruption crackdown which has focused on bribery and misuse of public funds, but it has also drawn criticism for its focus on Xi’s political enemies.

About Nick Sorrentino

Nick Sorrentino is the co-founder and editor of AC2NEWS.com and AgainstCronyCapitalism.org. A political and communications consultant whose clients have spanned the political spectrum, his work has been featured at Chief Executive Magazine, Reason.com, NPR.com, Townhall, The Daily Caller, and many other publications. He has spoken at CPAC, The Commit Forum, The Atlas Summit, The US Chamber of Commerce, The National Press Club, and at other venues. Sorrentino is the Founder of Exelorix Consultants and a senior fellow at Future 500. He is also the author of the book Politicos, Predators, Payoffs, and Vegan Pizza. A graduate of Mary Washington College he lives just outside of Washington DC where he can keep an eye on Leviathan.